116+ Albums from Actress to Ziúr: Weird New Pop's Favorite Albums of the Year

Usually, I find comfort in limitations and I'm pretty good at following instructions. But, when it comes to year-end lists, I'm just not myself. So, when Michael Lavorgna asked for a list of five favorite albums, I promptly came up with 75.

And then 95. Then 100. Then 110. Then 116. And then for good measure and to amuse myself, I added a few more things.

I suck at lists. Looking back at this particular list, I regret that my engagement with new jazz, classical, and ambient styles was not what it could have been. In 2017, my interest turned decidedly toward metal and electronic forms before whiplashing back to hip-hop (specifically, trap) and R&B. However, my greatest pleasures were found, as always, in weird new pop.

Tyler, the Creator: Scum Fuck Flower Boy
Benjamin Clementine: I Tell A Fly
The XX: I See You
Lana Del Rey: Lust for Life
Circuit des Yeux: Reaching for Indigo
Mount Kimbie: Love What Survives
Four Tet: New Energy
Angel Olson: Phases
Oneohtrix Point Never: Good Time (OST)
Lapalux: Ruinism

It would make a great Christmas gift! A good streaming service can lead to a LOT of very fun and satisfying musical discovery.

Would be great to have access to these great lists in a printable format.

You can print this (or any) article by clicking the three dots that are located above the Comments section (to the right of the email button), then selecting the print option. Or, in your browser, you can click File, Export as PDF.

Or subscribe to a streaming service and start exploring right away! ;) Happy holidays!

No need to struggle. :) This list is made of the albums that inspired me over the course of the year. I'm sure I missed a lot of good stuff. A couple of people have recommended Chicano Batman, and I've listened to them a few times briefly, but I haven't gotten into them yet. I'll try again. Thanks!